Nintendo Switch 2 will have two versions in Japan and for a good reason

Nintendo has informally announced that foreigners residing in Japan will have to pay an additional cost of 20,000 yen (approximately 133 euros) if they wish to purchase the new Switch 2 console with support for their native language. This decision has raised some concern among non-Japanese users who are learning the language and now face an additional financial challenge due to the launch of this console.

Two versions, two different prices

In Japan, two versions of the Switch 2 will be available starting June 5. The first is a Japanese-exclusive version, which will be priced at ¥49,980 (approximately 337 euros). The second is a console with multilingual support for 16 languages, which is priced at ¥69,980 (around 473 euros). The price discrepancy may be linked to the current weakness of the yen, which also influences Nintendo’s pricing strategy in the Japanese market.

Another interesting aspect is that the Switch 2 will presumably be region-free, which would facilitate international purchasing and use, except for the more affordable version that will be limited to Japan. This measure could be interpreted as a strategy by Nintendo to prevent the resale of consoles that scalpers buy at lower prices in the country to resell them at a higher price abroad.

Despite the criticism, the Japanese version of the console offers a more affordable option for those who speak the native language and do not require additional support. However, the financial burden of the multilingual model could negatively impact those residing in Japan who are still in the process of learning the language. With these new conditions, Nintendo also points out the complexity of the Japanese market and the needs of its diverse gaming community. All of this in a presentation full of excitement and controversy.

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